CVE-2026-81699

openssl_encrypt before 1.4.9 Denial of Service via unbounded KDF cost

Published Aug 27, 2026 CVSS 4.0 · 8.7 High EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
Description
openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 fail to properly validate key derivation function costs in crafted files, allowing attackers to trigger unbounded memory and CPU exhaustion during pre-authentication processing. Attackers can supply malicious files with excessive KDF parameters to exhaust system resources and crash or wedge the process before password verification occurs.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record

Tracking

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Advisories

No advisories available
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:jahlives:openssl_encrypt:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Type Values Removed Values Added
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:jahlives:openssl_encrypt:*:*:*:*:*:python:*:*
Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'yes', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'partial'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Jahlives
Jahlives openssl Encrypt
Vendors & Products Jahlives
Jahlives openssl Encrypt
Type Values Removed Values Added
Description openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 fail to properly validate key derivation function costs in crafted files, allowing attackers to trigger unbounded memory and CPU exhaustion during pre-authentication processing. Attackers can supply malicious files with excessive KDF parameters to exhaust system resources and crash or wedge the process before password verification occurs.
Title openssl_encrypt before 1.4.9 Denial of Service via unbounded KDF cost
Weaknesses CWE-770
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 7.5, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N'}

cvssV4_0

{'score': 8.7, 'vector': 'CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N'}

Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
VulnCheck
Published
Updated
Oct 1, 2026, 3:21 PM
Reserved
Aug 27, 2026, 11:12 AM
Status
Analyzed
Published
Aug 27, 2026, 5:21 PM
Modified
Sep 3, 2026, 3:09 PM